The Nightmare that is the N.I.E.

[Grimace]

I’ve just arrived in Spain a little over a week ago and I’m having real problems getting my hands on that elusive beast known as the N.I.E (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). I’ve stood in queues in three different places now for hours and hours, all to be told at the end that I should be somewhere else. The general consensus from the incompetent officials seems to be that the awful yellow and blue building on Avenida de los Poblados in Aluche is the only place I can get it, but after having stood there for ages in the hot sun, I was told that N.I.E.s are only processed Monday mornings (despite the fact that I arrived Monday at 10am and didn’t get to talk to anyone until 4:30pm). Well, unfortunately, I’m starting work on Monday and I’m not really prepared to be screwed over by the split opening hours again. Besides, I find it hard to believe that there’s only one department that processes Foreign Identity Numbers on one day of the week in a city of millions. Does anyone here know of a good place that I can go to get the N.I.E.? I’m working as a language assistant in a high school here and have one free weekday where I could go to get it. I don’t mean to sound so negative, but the bureaucracy here is one aspect I haven’t enjoyed.

Thanks,

Grimace

[Beckett]

Hi Grimace,
Do you have a student visa? Are you working in the official language assistants program? If so, you shouldn't have to get this NIE on your own. You should be able to can get your NIE with the assistance of the consejería de educación for your region. Ask the director of your high school for help as well.

[Pepino]

I don't know where Aluche is (I'm guessing you must be in Madrid but your location says New Zealand) so the process might be different wherever you are. Here in Barcelona, I got my NIE just 3 weeks ago after a few wasted queuing experiences. If by any chance you are in Barcelona, let me know here, and I'll write out exactly what to do.

[Grimace]

Sorry, I just realised I failed to mention I was in Madrid.

Yes, I am on the official assistantship program. I'll do some further research on what help's available.

Thanks for the replies.

[Beckett]

In that case, all you have to do is wait until Tuesday for the orientation meeting where everything will be explained to you. No one in Madrid in that program has to apply for the NIE on their own. You can private msg me if you want more info since I'm in the same program.

[Edith]

Why do bureaucrats and pen-pushers always seem to get a kick out of making people feel miserable? :confused:

[Janel]

Hi Grimace, I have had a similar experience waiting in neverending lines and I know its a pain in the neck. Really, sometimes it seems that these civil servants really get a kick of telling you "no." I think Aluche might be the right place for you to go, unless you can do it at General Pardinas. Let us know how it goes!! Sorry I cant give you more advice but I did my work papers a different way. Good luck!
J.

[allan]

As usual it seems to depend on where you are. We had no problems -
just went down, filled in the form and picked the NIE up a week later.
No queues or anything.

Before this starts to sound too idyllic don't get me started on Telefonica ...


Allan

[Beckett]

As usual it seems to depend on where you are. We had no problems -
just went down, filled in the form and picked the NIE up a week later.
No queues or anything.


Allan

And whether you are EU or not. :mad:

[allan]

And whether you are EU or not. :mad:

Yes, I hadn't thought of that. Taking too many things for granted.

Allan

[Brian]

Why do bureaucrats and pen-pushers always seem to get a kick out of making people feel miserable? :confused:

It´s not so much the sadism as their inability to think beyond their miniscule realm of expertise.

[ValenciaSon]

It´s not so much the sadism as their inability to think beyond their miniscule realm of expertise.I agree, it's their little realm for which they get to be the gatekeeper of in an otherwise limited existence.